System and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser

ABSTRACT

A system and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser. A group of items and associated metadata values are displayed in a window of the shell browser. An edit control permits user modification of metadata values displayed in the window. The user can modify metadata associated with a welcome pane, a selected item, or multiple selected items. A data structure stored on one or more computer-readable media contains metadata associated with items displayed in a shell browser, including user modifiable metadata which is also displayed in the shell browser.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No.8,555,199 (filed Jul. 13, 2010, as U.S. application Ser. No.12/835,411), which is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No.7,823,077 (filed Mar. 24, 2003, as U.S. application Ser. No.10/395,533). The application claims priority to U.S. application Ser.No. 12/835,411 and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/395,533, both of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of computersoftware. More particularly, the invention relates to a system andmethod for providing an improved user experience within a shell or filesystem browser so that users can more readily identify an item based onthe metadata associated with that item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need to readily identify items stored in a computing environmentsuch as a personal computer (PC) is dramatically increasing as moreindividuals utilize computers in their daily routines and as the type ofstored information varies between pictures, music, documents, etc.Documents and media are typically stored on computers in a hierarchicalfashion and are organized with files of information or media storedwithin folders. File system browsers enable users to navigate throughthe file system and locate and open files and folders. For example,Microsoft Corporation's WINDOWS® EXPLORER™ is an operating systemutility which enables users to browse the file system.

Many users find it difficult to correctly identify a file based on theinformation currently available in conventional file system browsers. Ofcourse the contents of a file can be verified by opening it with anapplication program, but this method of browsing files is extremelyinefficient. The ability to view metadata about a file within a filesystem browser can greatly assist a user in identifying a particularfile without having to open it. In Microsoft Corporation's WINDOWS® 9Xoperating systems, for example, a user can view object metadata byaccessing the property sheet for a particular object. A property sheetpresents the user with a list of the attributes or settings of an objectin the form of a tabbed, index-card-like selection of property pages,each of which features standard dialog-style controls for customizingparameters. However, using the property sheet to locate an item can beslow and cumbersome, and some users find it difficult to locate therelevant metadata in a property sheet. Similarly, the use of infotips tolocate an item can be slow and cumbersome because a user must hover themouse over each file in order to view the limited metadata displayed inan infotip.

Conventional file system browsers do not allow users to enter and editmetadata relating to files and folders, which would significantlyenhance a user's ability to later locate a file. To date, the ability ofusers to enter and edit metadata has been limited to special purposesoftware programs. For example, media players for electronic music filespresent users with the ability to edit metadata associated with musicalbums and artists. Another example of such programs includesapplication programs for electronic picture files. However, the utilityof media players and other such programs is limited to the particulartype of file supported by the program, as opposed to a general purposefile system browser which supports multiple file types.

Microsoft Corporation's WINDOWS® XP operating system includes an imagebrowser for use in the My Pictures folder. The My Pictures folder isendowed with special features which enable users to view pictures asphotos, not just as document icons. My Picture's image browsing featuresinclude the ability to view thumbnail-size and large versions of photos,rotate photos that are sideways, and create a slide show. A user canalso view a photo's details, such as its dimensions, the date and timeit was taken, and the name of the camera that took it. The previewcontrol area in the My Picture's folder contains an enlarged previewimage of a user-selected image, iterator buttons to assist a user initerating through a series of pictures and controls for rotatingpictures in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. While the imagebrowsing features in WINDOWS® XP have advanced the state of the art byalleviating the need to invoke an application program to view andmanipulate pictures, users still cannot enter and edit metadataassociated with the pictures.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved user experience within ashell or file system browser which enables users to readily locate anitem based on the metadata associated with that item. There is also aneed for a system and method which allow users to enter and editmetadata associated with items of various types within a shell browserwithout the need to invoke an application program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the above needs and overcomes one or moredeficiencies in the prior art by providing a system and method for usermodification of metadata in a shell browser. In one aspect of thepresent invention, a shell browser is provided which includes a windowand an edit control. The window displays a group of items and alsodisplays metadata values associated with one or more of the displayeditems. The edit control permits user modification of at least a portionof the metadata values displayed in the window.

Another aspect of the present invention is a graphical user interfaceembodied on a computer-readable medium and executable on a computer. Thegraphical user interface includes a first screen area which displays aset of items in a shell browser and a second screen area which displaysmetadata associated with one or more of the displayed items. Thegraphical user interface also presents the user with means within theshell browser for modifying the displayed metadata.

In a further aspect of the present invention, computer-implementedmethods are provided for enabling a user to modify metadata within ashell browser. One such method includes displaying a plurality of items,receiving a first input from the user representing a selection of atleast one displayed item, displaying metadata associated with theselected item(s) and providing an edit control for user modification ofthe displayed metadata. Another such method includes displaying awelcome pane and metadata associated with the welcome pane and providingan edit control for user modification of the displayed metadata.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a data structurecontaining metadata associated with one or more items displayed in ashell browser. The data structure, which is stored on one or morecomputer-readable media, includes a field containing user modifiablemetadata associated with the one or more displayed items, and the usermodifiable metadata contained in the data structure is also displayed inthe shell browser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to theattached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computing-system environment suitable foruse in implementing the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary graphical user interface fora shell browser having an edit control in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an exemplary graphical user interface fora shell browser having one or more edit controls in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a welcome pane in a shell browser;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a selected pane in a shell browser;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the selected pane of FIG. 4 including acontext menu enabling a user to modify metadata in a shell browser inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for enabling a user tomodify metadata displayed in a welcome pane within a shell browser inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for enabling a user tomodify metadata displayed in a selected pane within a shell browser inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a data structure containing user modifiablemetadata associated with an item displayed in a shell browser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing animproved user experience within a shell browser so that users can morereadily identify an item based on the metadata associated with thatitem. An exemplary operating environment for the present invention isdescribed below.

Referring to the drawings in general and initially to FIG. 1 inparticular, wherein like reference numerals identify like components inthe various figures, an exemplary operating environment for implementingthe present invention is shown and designated generally as operatingenvironment 100. The computing system environment 100 is only oneexample of a suitable computing environment and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theinvention. Neither should the computing environment 100 be interpretedas having any dependency or requirement relating to any one orcombination of components illustrated in the exemplary operatingenvironment 100.

The invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may bepracticed with a variety of computer-system configurations, includinghand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable-consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers,and the like. The invention may also be practiced indistributed-computing environments where tasks are performed byremote-processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed-computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote computer-storage media including memorystorage devices.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system 100 for implementing theinvention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of acomputer 110 including a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and asystem bus 121 that couples various system components including thesystem memory 130 to the processing unit 120.

Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Byway of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprisecomputer-storage media and communication media. Examples ofcomputer-storage media include, but are not limited to, Random AccessMemory (RAM); Read-Only Memory (ROM); Electronically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM); flash memory or other memorytechnology; CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD) or other optical orholographic disc storage; magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices; or any other medium thatcan be used to store desired information and be accessed by computer110. The system memory 130 includes computer-storage media in the formof volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as ROM 131 and RAM 132. ABasic Input/Output System 133 (BIOS), containing the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within computer 110 (suchas during start-up) is typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typicallycontains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible toand/or presently being operated on by processing unit 120. By way ofexample, and not limitation, FIG. 1 illustrates operating system 134,application programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data137.

The computer 110 may also include other removable/nonremovable,volatile/nonvolatile computer-storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 1 illustrates a hard disk drive 141 that reads from or writes tononremovable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 151 thatreads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk 152, andan optical disc drive 155 that reads from or writes to a removable,nonvolatile optical disc 156 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media.Other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer-storagemedia that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include,but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory units,digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solidstate ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive 141 is typically connectedto the system bus 121 through a nonremovable memory interface such asinterface 140. Magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disc drive 155 aretypically connected to the system bus 121 by a removable memoryinterface, such as interface 150.

The drives and their associated computer-storage media discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 1 provide storage of computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data forcomputer 110. For example, hard disk drive 141 is illustrated as storingoperating system 144, application programs 145, other program modules146, and program data 147. Note that these components can either be thesame as or different from operating system 134, application programs135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. Typically, theoperating system, application programs and the like that are stored inRAM are portions of the corresponding systems, programs, or data readfrom hard disk drive 141, the portions varying in size and scopedepending on the functions desired. Operating system 144, applicationprograms 145, other program modules 146, and program data 147 are givendifferent numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they can bedifferent copies. A user may enter commands and information into thecomputer 110 through input devices such as a keyboard 162; pointingdevice 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad; awireless-input-reception component 163; or a wireless source such as aremote control. Other input devices (not shown) may include amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like.These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit120 through a user-input interface 160 that is coupled to the system bus121 but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such asa parallel port, game port, IEEE 1394 port, or a universal serial bus(USB), or infrared (IR) bus.

A display device 191 is also connected to the system bus 121 via aninterface, such as a video interface 190. Display device 191 can be anydevice to display the output of computer 110 not limited to a monitor,an LCD screen, a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen, a flat-paneldisplay, a conventional television, or screen projector. In addition tothe display device 191, computers may also include other peripheraloutput devices such as speakers 197 and printer 196, which may beconnected through an output peripheral interface 195.

The computer 110 in the present invention will operate in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computers,such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personalcomputer, and typically includes many or all of the elements describedabove relative to the computer 110, although only a memory storagedevice 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 1. The logical connectionsdepicted in FIG. 1 include a local-area network (LAN) 171 and awide-area network (WAN) 173 but may also include other networks, such asconnections to a metropolitan-area network (MAN), intranet, or theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 110 is connectedto the LAN 171 through a network interface or adapter 170. When used ina WAN networking environment, the computer 110 typically includes amodem 172 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal orexternal, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the networkinterface 170, or other appropriate mechanism. Modem 172 could be acable modem, DSL modem, or other broadband device. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 110, orportions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. Byway of example, and not limitation, FIG. 1 illustrates remoteapplication programs 185 as residing on memory device 181. It will beappreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers may beused.

Although many other internal components of the computer 110 are notshown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that suchcomponents and the interconnections are well-known. For example,including various expansion cards such as television-tuner cards andnetwork-interface cards within a computer 110 is conventional.Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction ofthe computer 110 need not be disclosed in connection with the presentinvention.

When the computer 110 is turned on or reset, the BIOS 133, which isstored in ROM 131, instructs the processing unit 120 to load theoperating system, or necessary portion thereof, from the hard disk drive141 into the RAM 132. Once the copied portion of the operating system,designated as operating system 144, is loaded into RAM 132, theprocessing unit 120 executes the operating-system code and causes thevisual elements associated with the user interface of the operatingsystem 134 to be displayed on the display device 191. Typically, when anapplication program 145 is opened by a user, the program code andrelevant data are read from the hard disk drive 141 and the necessaryportions are copied into RAM 132, the copied portion represented hereinby reference numeral 135.

As previously mentioned, the present invention may be described in thegeneral context of computer-useable instructions. Computer-useableinstructions include functions, procedures, schemas, routines, codesegments, and modules useable by one or more computers or other devices.The computer-useable instructions form an interface to allow a computerto react according to a source of input. The instructions cooperate withother code segments to initiate a variety of tasks in response to datareceived in conjunction with the source of the received data.

Turning to FIG. 2A, a window 200 represents a screen-size display areafor a graphical user interface of a shell browser. The window 200contains a preview pane area 202 and a view area 204. The preview pane202 may include a preview control 206, a user interface (UI) or editcontrol 208, and a task control 210. Typically, the preview control 206will provide the user with an image or other visual display of the itembeing previewed (e.g., a selected file). The preview control 206 mayalso present the user with controls such as iterator buttons which allowthe user to shift the focus from one item to the next by clicking amouse button. Metadata corresponding to one or more items and/ormetadata corresponding to the item container may be displayed in avariety of locations within the window 200. For example, the editcontrol and metadata may be co-located within edit control area 208 sothat the edit control area not only includes a display of key propertiesof the previewed item but also presents the user with the option ofmaking edits to the metadata. The task control 210 contains tasksrelevant to the namespace and/or the selection.

For purposes of the present invention, the terms “metadata” and “usermodifiable metadata” exclude the shell item name. The term “shell itemname” refers to the property which is used for purposes of sorting anddisplaying the item within the shell browser. As mentioned above, oneunique aspect of the present invention is the ability of a user to editmetadata within a shell browser.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present inventioncontemplates the presence of optional features within the window 200.For example, the preview control 206 and the task control 210 are notessential features for purposes of the present invention. Moreover,other non-essential features which are not shown in FIG. 2A, such as atoolbar which includes iterator buttons or a show/hide button so theuser can open/close the preview pane, are also within the scope of thepresent invention. Nevertheless, these and other optional features mayassist the user in readily locating a particular item in the shellbrowser.

The view area 204 provides a listview of one or more items 212, such asfile system files or folders. The term “listview” refers to anenumeration or list of items within a container. The terms “item” and“shell item” are used interchangeably herein to refer to files, foldersand other such containers, and other non-file objects which can berepresented in a listview. Examples of non-file objects may include, butwould not be limited to, contacts, favorites and email messages. Theterms “shell browser” and “file system browser” are used interchangeablyherein to refer to a browser which allows a user to navigate throughvarious namespaces including files and other non-file items.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present inventioncontemplates many possible designs and layouts for the window 200. Forexample, the preview pane 202 is shown above the view area 204 in FIG.2A. However, other layouts, such as placing the preview pane 202 and theview area 204 side-by-side, are clearly within the scope of the presentinvention. The location of the edit control 208 is also independent ofthe location of the displayed metadata and independent of the locationof any other controls. There are also many possible view types for theitems depicted in listview area 204, such as details, slide show,filmstrip, thumbnail, tiles, icons, etc.

FIG. 2B is similar to FIG. 2A, except that the view area 204 is replacedby a view area 214 which displays the items 212 in details mode. As istypical for shell items displayed in details mode, the items 212 arealigned in a column at the left-hand side of view area 214, and one ormore column headings 216 form the top row of a set of columns containingmetadata 218 relating to the corresponding item located in the same row.Importantly, the present invention contemplates the ability of a user toexplicitly change a metadata value to another value throughinstantiation of one or more edit controls 208 anywhere within thewindow 200. For example, an edit control may be provided within thepreview pane 202 and/or within the view area 214. For example, an editcontrol which is not initially visible to a user may be provided withinthe view area 214. Such a control can be instantiated, for example, whenthe user hovers over the metadata 218 and then clicks on it to enter anediting mode.

Referring next to FIG. 3, a schematic illustration is provided of awelcome pane 300 in a shell browser. A welcome pane is sometimesreferred to as a “null select” pane because it represents a namespace orcontainer as opposed to a selection. If the user has not yet made aselection, a preview pane 302 displays metadata 304 and key tasksrelating to the folder or shell library. If desired, the tasks may beseparated into premiered tasks 306 and other relevant tasks 308. Thewelcome pane 300 also includes a view area 310, in which multiple filesor other items 312 may be viewed. The welcome pane metadata 304 mayinclude information such as properties of the container (e.g.,MyPictures), in which case the metadata display may be static.Alternatively, the welcome pane metadata 304 may include informationsuch as a sampling of metadata from each of the items within thecontainer, in which case the metadata display may change frequently. Forexample, the metadata display may be limited to properties of one itemat a time by cycling from one item to the next every 30 seconds.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a selected pane 400 in a shellbrowser. As opposed to a welcome pane, a selected pane represents aselection by the user. If the user selects a container or folder, theselected pane need not be identical to the welcome pane for thatcontainer or folder. In FIG. 4, the selected pane 400 includes a previewpane 402 which contains a preview control 404, a metadata display 406and a tasks display 408. Like the welcome pane 300 (in FIG. 3), theselected pane 400 also includes a view area 410, in which multiple filesor other items 412 may be viewed. In FIG. 4, however, the user hasselected one of the files. Consequently, the preview control 404displays a preview image of the selected file, the metadata display 406shows properties of the selected file, and the tasks display 408provides a menu of relevant tasks for operating on the selected file.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the selected pane of FIG. 4 butwhich also includes a context menu 500 to enable a user to modifymetadata in a shell browser in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The context menu 500 in FIG. 5 presents the user withseveral options for changing the selected metadata. The generic textshown in the menu 500 is of course merely one example of the type ofoptions which may be presented to a user for editing the displayedmetadata. A context menu can be provided in any window, including awelcome pane, to improve the user experience. As those skilled in theart will appreciate, any number and variety of context menus could besupported by the present invention. For purposes of the presentinvention, one means for enabling user modifications to displayedmetadata within a shell browser is to provide a context menu such aseditable metadata context menu 500. A user may summon the context menu,for example, by clicking on the corresponding text or object in thepreview pane.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present inventioncontemplates means other than context menus for enabling usermodifications to displayed metadata within a shell browser. Another suchmeans for is for the user to click on the metadata to enter an editingmode. By contrast, a user could enter an editing mode by hovering overthe relevant text or object in the preview pane. Numerous alternativemeans are available and within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for enabling a userto modify metadata displayed in a welcome pane within a shell browser inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 600includes displaying a welcome pane and metadata associated with thewelcome pane at 602. Then, at 604, the method provides a control foruser modification of the displayed metadata. When the user manipulatesthe control to modify the displayed metadata at 606, the method thenassociates the modified metadata with the welcome pane at 608 so thatthe modified metadata will be displayed the next time the welcome paneis displayed.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for enabling a userto modify metadata displayed in a selected pane within a shell browserin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At 702, themethod 700 first displays a number of items, such as items in a welcomepane or items in a selected container. When the user selects one or moreof the items at 704, the method displays metadata associated with theselected item(s) at 706. At 708, the method provides a control for usermodification of the displayed metadata. When the user manipulates thecontrol to modify the displayed metadata at 710, the method thenassociates the modified metadata with the selected item(s) at 712 sothat the modified metadata will be displayed the next time the selecteditem(s) is/are displayed.

In the event a user selects multiple items at 704, the displayedmetadata may include intersecting properties of the selected items, aunion of properties, or perhaps a new property relevant to the selecteditems. Alternatively, the displayed metadata may include a rotatingsample of metadata from each of the selected items (e.g., cycling fromone selected item's metadata to the next selected item's metadata every30 seconds). It is possible for the display of metadata which wouldresult from a selection of all of the items to be identical to thedisplay of metadata which would result from a null select.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a data structure 800 containing usermodifiable metadata associated with an item displayed in a shellbrowser. The data structure 800 includes a title field 802 whichindicates the name of the item. In the case of non-file items, the titlefield 802 may contain the name of whatever property is used toalphabetize that item in a listview. The data structure 800 includes auser editable properties field 804 containing one or more propertiesassociated with the displayed item, wherein the user editable propertiesare displayed in the shell browser with the displayed item. The datastructure 800 may optionally include a read-only properties field 806which contains any read-only properties associated with the displayeditem and worthy of display in the shell browser. Given the sizeconstraints of the metadata display in the shell browser, the number ofproperties in fields 804 and 806 may be limited. Consequently, the datastructure 800 may optionally include an all properties field 808, whichcontains a link or pointer to a location (e.g., a property page) whichcontains all of the properties or metadata associated with the displayeditem. Of course, the all properties field 808 would not be necessary inthe event that fields 804 and 806 contain all of the propertiesassociated with the displayed item. The data structure 800 is stored onone or more computer-readable media, such as in a file system or shell,to provide rich storage views, and thus an improved user experience,within the shell browser.

The present invention enables a number of scenarios which were notpossible with conventional shell browsers. As a first example, a studentcan manage her projects using the preview pane. When she obtains newdocuments as part of a project she is working on, she can select thosedocuments in her document library and enter the name of the documentauthor and the name of the project into keyword fields using the editcontrol. Now the new documents will show up in her favorite view:“Documents Grouped by Keyword and Listed by Author.” A second example ofa new scenario enabled by the present invention involves an employeelooking for materials for an upcoming ad campaign. As he browses throughhis employer's stock collection of photos using the shell browser, heselects a couple of pictures and, from the preview pane, adds a newkeyword “Summer 2003 Campaign.” Having updated the metadata for amultiple selection, the employee then pivots by keyword and can view allof the “Summer 2003 Campaign” files grouped together. Many otherscenarios which take advantage of the present invention would beapparent to those skilled in the art.

Alternative embodiments and implementations of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertainsupon review of the specification, including the drawing figures.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims rather than the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for enabling a userto modify metadata of a file, the method comprising: displaying, by afirst application, a window that is divided into at least two panes,wherein a first pane displays a plurality of items representing aplurality of files stored in a computing system; receiving a selectionof an item that is presented in the first pane and that represents oneof the plurality of files stored in the computing system, wherein thefirst application is not a creator of the one of the plurality of files;displaying, in a second pane, application-neutral metadata associatedwith at least the item that was selected; and providing a context menuthat is displayable in front of the window and that permits, withoutopening a second application that created the one of the plurality offiles, user modification of the application-neutral metadata, whereinapplication-neutral metadata that is modified is available to subsequentrequesting applications.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the application-neutral metadata that is modified includes asearchable keyword.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the plurality of items includes one or more non-file objects. 4.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofitems includes one or more folders.
 5. The computer-implemented methodof claim 1, wherein the plurality of items includes a folder andcontents of the folder.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the application-neutral metadata is displayed together with apreview of the item that is selected.
 7. A computer-readable memorydevice storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by acomputing device having an operating system, facilitate operationsenabling a user to modify metadata of a file comprising: displaying, bythe operating system, a plurality of graphical items in a first pane ofa window, the plurality of graphical items representing a plurality offiles stored in a filing system of the operating system; receiving aselection of a graphical item that is presented in the first pane andthat represents one of the plurality of files stored in the filingsystem; presenting metadata of at least the one of the plurality offiles in a second pane of the window, wherein the plurality of graphicalitems remain displayed in the first pane when the metadata is presentedin the second pane; receiving a user selection of the metadata;providing, by the operating system, a context menu when the userselection is received, wherein the context menu provides selectableoptions to modify the metadata and wherein the plurality of graphicalitems and the metadata remain displayed when the context menu isdisplayed; and responsive to a user input, without opening anapplication that created the one of the plurality of files, modifyingthe metadata to create modified metadata, wherein the modified metadatais available to subsequent requesting applications.
 8. Thecomputer-readable memory device of claim 7, wherein modifying themetadata includes adding new metadata, editing the metadata that isdisplayed, or a combination thereof.
 9. The computer-readable memorydevice of claim 7, wherein the user selection is received when a cursoris hovered over the metadata that is displayed.
 10. Thecomputer-readable memory device of claim 7, wherein the item includes afile.
 11. The computer-readable memory device of claim 7, wherein theitem includes a non-file object.
 12. A computing device storingcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the computingdevice having an operating system, generate a graphical user interface,the graphical user interface comprising: a display window of theoperating system, the display window divided into a first pane, whichdisplays a plurality of graphical items representing a plurality offiles, and a second pane, which displays application-neutral metadata ofat least a file that has been selected by a user from the plurality ofgraphical items; and an operating-system interface element that isdisplayable as an overlay in front of the display window when the fileis selected and that permits, without invoking an application thatcreated the file, user modification of the application-neutral metadatadisplayed in the second pane, wherein the application-neutral metadatathat is modified using the operating-system interface element isavailable to subsequent requesting applications.
 13. The computingdevice of claim 12, wherein the user modification is in response to auser selection of the application-neutral metadata to directly modifythe metadata in the second pane.
 14. The computing device of claim 12,wherein the user modification includes adding new metadata, editing theapplication-neutral metadata that is displayed, or a combinationthereof.
 15. The computing device of claim 12, wherein a user selectionof the application-neutral metadata is received when a cursor is hoveredover the application-neutral metadata that is displayed in the secondpane.
 16. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the operating-systembrowser supports a plurality of item types.
 17. The computing device ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of item types includes music files,picture files, and document files.